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OverviewIn the small Illinois town of Bradbury, change doesn’t come often, and it certainly doesn’t come easily. So when Pastor Fletcher hires Emily Duke as the new choir director at Zion Lutheran Church, he unknowingly sets in motion a chain of events that turns the life of his congregation upside down.

The crusty church secretary, Mrs. Scheinberg, must learn to adjust her curmudgeonly ways. Zion’s talented but pompous organist, Evan Ebner, must recognize his shortcomings. Emily must come to terms with her past. Even Pastor Fletcher must face reality when his world is shaken by the baggage Emily brings and by the handsome Zachary Brandt who pursues her.

With its host of lovable and relatable characters, House of Living Stones will find a special place on your bookshelf and in your heart.

Praise for House of Living Stones“Anyone who has said of small town life, 'You can't make this stuff up' has been proven wrong by Katie Schuermann. If the people of Lake Wobegone were to fall in love with a book, it would be House of Living Stones, where the odors are strong, the pastor is good-looking, and the writing is all above average.”Rebekah CurtisWife, author, editor, avid reader

“Schuermann builds the reader’s affections for the characters in such a way that you should not be surprised to find yourself including some of these blessed souls into your own daily prayers, only to remember, embarrassingly, that these are not real souls at all. And yet, they are very real. The widows, the mother hens, the lonely singles, the gossips, the meddlers, the jilted—they are all around us, in our congregations, our families, and in our own personalities. The names and faces are different, but the sins and the robe of righteousness that cover us all are the same. . . . Readers will finish the last chapter of House of Living Stones with higher expectations and craving more.” Rebecca MayesWife, mother, blogger, author

“House of Living Stones is an absolute delight! How refreshing it is to read for pleasure and then find it to be also wonderfully edifying time spent. This is Mitford plus . . . where Schuermann brings the reader into the joys and some serious challenges of a small town parish in a town called Bradbury. You will love the writing, the story line, the characters, and the humor. But I believe what truly excels here is this writer’s love for and understanding of God’s grace for all and what that boundless grace means in day to day living. Sit down with some Chamomile or Merlot . . . read and enjoy!”Richard C. ReschKantor and Professor Emeritus, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne IN

“A Lutheran Jan Karon? Yes, Katie Schuermann! Both are great wordsmiths crafting engrossing small town tales centered on clergy. Both focus on town and congregational life. Both have great character development and are enlightening, spiritual fun reads. But most of all, the forgiveness of sins highlights the pages of House of Living Stones. This is the start of a great series, set up to expand for your reading delight, for sharing and for gifting!”Rev. Rod ZwonitzerDirector of Broadcast Services/KFUO, Host of BookTalk

“House of Living Stones is a delightful Lutheran homage to Anne of Green Gables, complete with colorful characters who break the eighth commandment like pros, a heroine both sinner and saint, and a portrait of small-town life that reads like a caricature but is all too real. Katie Schuermann's writing elevates 'ordinary' church life to the extraordinary, alternating whimsical hilarity with poignant real-life-under-the-cross moments that will have you laughing, crying, and wanting more of Emily Duke, Pastor Fletcher, and the whole Zion Lutheran gang.”Gretchen RobertsDigital marketer, pastor's wife, nearly lifelong Lutheran, avid reader of fiction, Anne of Green Gables fan

“Katie Schuermann and CPH have a hit with House of Living Stones! This delightful foray into adult fiction is fun, engaging, and relatable. Anyone who has ever been a member of any church will recognize the personalities and situations she masterfully develops, but certainly small town Lutherans will be nodding, and laughing, along on every page! Schuermann gives us, the church, a look at our strengths and weaknesses and wraps them in grace, forgiveness, hope, and love. Those in ministry, especially music ministry, will particularly appreciate the author's insightful humor. Can't wait for the next installment!”Christen FriedrichAmazon review

About the AuthorHonest, sincere, and lyrical, Katie Schuermann's writing reflects her Midwestern roots and her interest in the arts. After earning graduate degrees in music, she taught music history and literature at various colleges, directed children's theater camps, and sang in various concert halls, theaters, and churches across the Midwest.

House of Living Stones

What a refreshing read! I have long read other Christian fiction, but Katie Schuermann has captured the essence of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod right down to the tiniest of details. The characters are each unique and have some described personalities that I feel I'm right there in their midst. I'd recommend this book to anyone - especially if they're Lutheran! I can't wait to read the next book!

Zion Lutheran Church in Bradbury, meet Emily Duke. She is kind, thoughtful, and ready for a new beginning. Emily Duke, meet Zion Lutheran Church in Bradbury. Her members are sharp, practical, and fiercely loyal. Together, they learn that life is always sweeter when burdens- and cinnamon rolls- are shared together.
This book has a special place in my heart. I love that it both celebrates our Lutheran heritage and teaches our Lutheran faith in very practical, realistic ways. Initially read during a very difficult time in my life, House of Living Stones made me laugh, cry, and most importantly, gave me HOPE. Katie Schuermann has masterfully composed an anthem both bitter and sweet that celebrates the gift of life together in Christ.

When the book first came out, I was a little late in the game on reading it. Many ladies at my church kept telling me that I needed to read it. I'm so glad I did! It brought me so much joy and a few tears. I recently read it for the second time. It's even better than I remembered! The characters become friends and are easy to relate to. I highly recommend this series.

Since reading this book myself and loving it, I've bought more copies as gifts for several friends. All of them have said how much they enjoyed reading it, too! The story-telling isn't *just* entertaining (though definitely that!) but it also teaches important truths about life together in the family of God. 100% recommend! Thanks, CPH and author, Katie Schuermann!

I couldn't put this book down! The characters were immediately captivating and drew me in. I also loved the traditional Lutheran aspects. It was nice to read a Christian fiction book that I can relate to!

After having read many Christian fiction books where the climax of the book is for the character to "ask Jesus into his/her heart," this book was a breath of fresh air for my Lutheran lungs. I really enjoyed the very realistic and imperfect characters, the humorous dialogue, the inclusion and respect for people of all ages, and how the church intersected in so many aspects of each character's life. Mrs. Schuermann was able to capture what it's like to be a part of a LCMS church and its family-it's about time we had some Lutheran fiction. Looking forward to reading the sequels. This one is going in the church library.

I finished this book in two days. All the characters were very real and could be members (and in some respect, probably are) of my church. I have "The Choir Immortal" ,on pre-order and can't wait to receive it!! There just isn't enough GOOD Christian fiction books out there. This is, by far, the best I've read!!

The entire time I was reading HOLS, I kept saying "Why aren't we best friends?" I loved the characters and it was well written, but what I loved the most was how familiar it all seemed. I grew up singing in choir, studied music in college, moved often and am a life-long Lutheran. Schuermann excelled at capturing the details and telling a story that was so relatable it felt like going home.

House of Living Stones was such a great read! The characters seemed like real people who could be living in my own town. I loved that about the book! Their stories were the stories of the people in my church! Well, almost.
The town of Bradbury has all your friends, the kind widow, the sweet boy who mows lawns, the nosy neighbors, the gossip, the eavesdropper, the helpful friend, and even the grumpy old man! Schuermann tells us a story of friendship and forgiveness with people whose stories are just as real and believable as our own lives.

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